Vita B3 Source
Vita B3 Source
Product Description
Product overview
TIA'M Vita B3 Source is a lightweight, fast-absorbing brightening serum powered by 10% Niacinamide and 2% Arbutin. This minimal-ingredient Korean serum targets dark spots, uneven skin tone, and excess sebum while strengthening the skin barrier — all without fragrance, oils, or harsh additives.
Dual Brightening Power
10% Niacinamide and 2% Arbutin work synergistically to inhibit melanin production and fade existing dark spots for a more even complexion.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual Brightening Power
10% Niacinamide and 2% Arbutin work synergistically to inhibit melanin production and fade existing dark spots for a more even complexion.
Barrier Strengthening
Niacinamide at 10% boosts ceramide synthesis, fortifying the skin barrier and improving moisture retention over time.
Minimal & Clean Formula
Only 15 ingredients — no fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones, or sulfates. Designed for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Sebum Control
Regulates excess oil production and visibly minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores without stripping or drying the skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils that feed malassezia yeast. Zero fungal acne triggers detected.
No comedogenic ingredients detected. Oil-free and silicone-free formula is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Free from common allergens, essential oils, and fragrances. Allantoin and dipotassium glycyrrhizate provide soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits.
While generally well-tolerated, 10% niacinamide may cause mild flushing or tingling in very sensitive individuals. Start with every other day and gradually increase frequency.
Niacinamide and pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) can be used together, but applying them at separate times (AM/PM) may reduce potential for flushing.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide (Vitamin B3) 10%Proven
A multi-functional superstar ingredient that brightens skin tone, reduces pore appearance, regulates sebum, strengthens the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production, and helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
- Brightening: Studies show 5% niacinamide reduces hyperpigmentation within 4–8 weeks; 10% offers faster and more pronounced results.
- Sebum Control: At 2–4%, niacinamide reduces sebum excretion rate. At 10%, oil control effects are more pronounced.
- Barrier Repair: Increases ceramide and free fatty acid synthesis in the stratum corneum, strengthening the skin barrier.
- Anti-Aging: Stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines at concentrations of 4–5%+.
Arbutin 2%Proven
A naturally derived brightening agent from the bearberry plant that inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, preventing melanin formation to fade dark spots and even skin tone without irritation.
- Mechanism: Blocks the melanin-forming activity of tyrosinase, working at a different step than vitamin C or licorice extract — ideal for combination use.
- Safety: Considered a gentler alternative to hydroquinone with a similar lightening mechanism but without the associated side effects.
- Synergy: Works synergistically with niacinamide — niacinamide prevents melanin transfer to skin cells while arbutin prevents melanin production.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate ~3%Proven
An active compound derived from licorice root with powerful anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Helps calm redness, reduce sensitivity, and supports the skin barrier.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Calms irritation and reduces redness, making this serum suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.
- Brightening: Liquiritin compounds in licorice have been shown to help inhibit tyrosinase, adding a secondary brightening effect.
- Barrier Support: Helps restore and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier function.
Sodium Hyaluronate ~0.5%Proven
A low-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin to attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated.
- Hydration: Can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration to the upper layers of the skin.
- Penetration: Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular size than hyaluronic acid, allowing it to penetrate more effectively.
Allantoin ~4%Proven
A gentle, well-established soothing ingredient that accelerates wound healing, promotes cell regeneration, and helps restore the skin barrier after damage.
- Wound Healing: Supports the skin's natural repair process, beneficial for post-acne marks and damaged skin.
- Moisturizing: Functions as a humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
15 ingredients
Water, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3; 10%), Butylene Glycol, Arbutin (2%), Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lindera Erythrocarpa Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Geranium Thunbergii Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methylpropanediol, Laurylpyridinium Chloride, Chlorphenesin, 1,2-Hexanediol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after cleansing and toning, before heavier serums and moisturizer. Use AM and/or PM. Always follow with sunscreen during the day.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a clean face. Apply your toner or essence first and let it absorb.
Dispense 3–4 Drops
Squeeze 3–4 drops (or 1–2 pumps) of TIA'M Vita B3 Source onto your fingertips or directly onto the face.
Pat & Press
Gently pat the serum evenly across the face and neck. Press lightly with fingertips to encourage absorption — avoid rubbing.
Follow with Moisturizer & SPF
Once absorbed, layer your moisturizer on top. In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+).
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or post-acne marks
- You want to even out your skin tone and boost radiance
- You have oily or combination skin with enlarged pores
- You need a fungal-acne-safe brightening serum
- You prefer minimal, fragrance-free formulas
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe actives
- You want to layer niacinamide under makeup without pilling
Consider alternatives if:
- You are very sensitive to niacinamide at high concentrations (10%)
- You need a deeply hydrating serum for very dry skin (this is lightweight)
- You want anti-aging peptides or retinol in the same product
- You prefer a thicker, richer serum texture
- You need a larger bottle size (this is only 40ml)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, watery texture absorbs instantly. 10% niacinamide actively regulates sebum production and minimizes pore appearance.
Balances oily T-zone without drying cheeks. Oil-free formula layers well across different zones of the face.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal-acne-safe, oil-free. Niacinamide helps reduce breakouts and fade post-acne hyperpigmentation.
Fragrance-free and allergen-free with soothing allantoin and licorice root. However, the high 10% niacinamide concentration may require a slow introduction period.
Provides brightening and barrier-strengthening benefits, but the lightweight formula alone may not provide enough hydration. Best paired with a rich moisturizer.
Results timeline
WEEK 10–12Improved Texture & Sebum Control
Skin feels smoother and less oily. Pores appear slightly refined. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly and layers well under other products.
70% noticed smoother textureVisible Pore Refinement & Glow
Pores look visibly smaller, especially around the nose and cheeks. Skin begins to develop a healthier, more radiant appearance.
65% noticed pore improvementFading Dark Spots & Even Tone
Post-acne marks and sun spots start to visibly lighten. Overall skin tone appears more uniform with a natural glow. Barrier function improves noticeably.
60% noticed brighteningSignificant Brightening Results
Hyperpigmentation is markedly reduced. Skin appears clearer, brighter, and more resilient. Sebum balance is well established and pores look minimized.
80% noticed overall improvementRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effective at fading dark spots and evening skin tone
- Clean, minimal 15-ingredient formula
- Fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Fungal-acne-safe and non-comedogenic
- Lightweight texture layers well under makeup
- Noticeable sebum control and pore refinement
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Affordable price point for K-beauty quality
Criticized
- Small 40ml bottle size — runs out quickly
- Glass bottle is heavy and not ideal for travel
- Can feel slightly sticky on some skin types
- 10% niacinamide may irritate very sensitive skin
- Results on stubborn hyperpigmentation take 8+ weeks
- Not deeply hydrating enough for very dry skin alone
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same 10% niacinamide concentration with added zinc for oil control. Lacks arbutin and licorice root, so less targeted for hyperpigmentation. Simpler formula may pill under makeup for some.
Contains 10% niacinamide with glycerin and betaine for hydration. No arbutin or licorice, so brightening is primarily from niacinamide alone. Gentler texture, good for beginners.
Uses 4% niacinamide + 3% tranexamic acid instead of arbutin for brightening. Different mechanism but similar targets. Contains oils and ferments — not fungal-acne safe.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C) away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Keep cap tightly sealed after each use.
Dark glass dropper bottle — protects light-sensitive niacinamide from UV degradation
Yes, 40ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit. However, the glass bottle requires careful packing to prevent breakage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. TIA'M Vita B3 Source contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Both niacinamide and arbutin are considered safe for use during pregnancy. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes. This serum contains zero known fungal acne triggers. It is free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils that can feed malassezia yeast. The minimal, clean formula makes it one of the safest niacinamide serums for fungal-acne-prone skin.
Yes, niacinamide is compatible with most actives. It pairs well with retinol (helps buffer potential irritation), AHAs, and BHAs. For vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), some prefer to use them at different times (niacinamide PM, vitamin C AM) to maximize efficacy, though using them together is generally safe. If you experience tingling when combining, alternate AM/PM usage.
TIA'M Vita B3 Source is excellent for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types due to its lightweight, oil-free formula and sebum-regulating niacinamide. It also works well for sensitive skin (fragrance-free, minimal ingredients) and dry skin when paired with a richer moisturizer. It is suitable for all skin types.
Most users notice smoother texture and improved sebum control within 1–2 weeks. Visible pore refinement typically appears around weeks 3–4. Noticeable brightening and fading of dark spots generally begins at 6–8 weeks with consistent twice-daily use. Full results for stubborn hyperpigmentation may take 10–12 weeks.
Apply TIA'M Vita B3 Source after cleansing and toning, before heavier serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen. As a watery serum, it follows the thin-to-thick layering rule. It can also be mixed with your toner or moisturizer for a gentler introduction. Use in both AM and PM routines.
No. TIA'M Vita B3 Source has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It contains no oils, silicones, or known pore-clogging ingredients. The formula is specifically designed to be non-comedogenic, and niacinamide actively helps reduce sebum and minimize pore appearance.
TIA'M Vita B3 Source has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. At 40ml with twice-daily use (3–4 drops per application), one bottle typically lasts about 2–3 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and keep the cap sealed to preserve the formula's stability.
Verdict: TIA'M Vita B3 Source is a standout K-beauty brightening serum that delivers where it counts — effective concentrations of niacinamide (10%) and arbutin (2%) in an impressively clean, 15-ingredient formula. It checks nearly every safety box: pregnancy-safe, fungal-acne-safe, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and vegan. The lightweight texture layers beautifully under makeup and the price-to-quality ratio is excellent. The only drawbacks are the small 40ml size that runs out quickly and a slight sticky feel for some users. If you are targeting dark spots, uneven tone, or excess oil while keeping your ingredient list clean, this serum is a smart, well-formulated choice.
Browse related
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Arbutin
Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant, Bleaching
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
|
|
| 1 |
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|